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Aspen Minute

Hear what some of the most interesting thinkers and leaders from around the world had to say from the stages of the Aspen Ideas Festival. While not strictly 60 seconds in length, each Aspen Minute is a short excerpt — some inspiring, some provocative, some funny — from a notable presenter at the Festival. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes U.

Amy Chua Aspen Ideas 2012 Amy Chua, author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, gives perspective on our very contemporary problem of "parental anxiety." Is it, in fact, just a luxury? PLAY

Julie Taymor Aspen Ideas 2012 Theater and film director Julie Taymor on the temptation to give children easy entertainment instead of encouraging them discover the world and learn to be creative through low-tech means. PLAY

Randi Weingarten Aspen Ideas 2012 Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, stresses the importance of engaging children in meaningful learning and assuring that all students are taught critical thinking skills. PLAY

Jane Shaw Aspen Ideas 2012 The Very Reverend Jane Shaw on the importance of developing our moral imaginations. In doing so, we are able to speak across divides, show empathy, and embrace the common responsibilities of community. PLAY

Steven Leder Aspen Ideas 2012 Rabbi Steven Leder describes a world without organized religion and why we need to keep religious faiths and traditions alive and well for the sake of society. PLAY

Stanley McChrystalAspen Ideas 2012 Retired four-star US Army general Stanley McChrystal makes the case for mandatory national service. Would a shared experience in serving our country strengthen us? PLAY

Lawrence SummersAspen Ideas 2012 Economist Lawrence Summers says that even in these challenging times, there is much to be optimistic about in America. As a country, we have a great capacity to work together. PLAY

Charles MurrayAspen Ideas 2012 Author Charles Murray believes we have lost a specific dimension to our lives — community. He challenges us to make small changes that will in turn resurrect the American way of life. PLAY

Marissa MayerAspen Ideas 2012 Tech industry leader Marissa Mayer cites compelling evidence about why our country needs more computer scientists and technologists. Recruitment for these industries should start at the high school level. PLAY

Brian GreeneAspen Ideas 2012 Physicist Brian Greene gives an entertaining and impassioned speech about the transcendence of mathematics. Really. He’ll make you want to stop what you’re doing and work a quick Algebra equation. PLAY

Anne-Marie SlaughterAspen Ideas 2012 Anne-Marie Slaughter declares that society will suffer if we continue to make women feel badly for struggling to maintain a high-powered career and a family simultaneously. PLAY

Melody BarnesAspen Ideas 2012 Melody Barnes discusses the polarization of Congress and how the mode towards positive change depends on the attitude of people in Congress and their willingness to work towards compromise. PLAY

Erika ChristakisAspen Ideas 2012 An early childhood educator discusses the perils of the “no accidents” mentality of parenting. PLAY

Arne DuncanAspen Ideas 2011 Secretary of Education stresses that the US educational system desperately needs more talent in the profession, as other countries with more successful systems invest in. PLAY